FAQs

Starting Point is a conversational environment where people can explore faith and experience community. Starting Point groups are safe places for people with questions about faith, as well as those who want to learn about the Bible and Christianity. Groups meet for eight weeks to reflect on central questions of faith and life.

Starting Point groups meet for 8 weeks with each group meeting lasting approximately 75 minutes. Groups typically have ten to twelve participants and two to four leaders (for a maximum of sixteen people). Most groups meet at a North Point Ministries church on Sunday morning, but some will meet during the week [at the church].

The most effective way is by word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied group members and the personal testimonies given during baptism videos. We also use marketing tools such as signs, brochures, slides, bulletin announcements, and stage announcements.

Whether it’s through a one-on-one conversation, an orientation, or online, we let people know what Starting Point is and what it’s not. We also try to ensure the right people are getting into Starting Point groups as we want these groups to include seekers, starters, and returners. Groups typically begin within one to three weeks from when someone signs up, depending on the demand. Depending on the size of your church and the interest level, you may elect to start groups on a regular basis or on an as-needed basis.

Each group member purchases a Starting Point Conversation Guide, which contains eight chapters of content, and Bible. We ensure all Starting Point group members and leaders use the same Bible so they can be on the same page, literally.

During the course of each week, participants:

Watch a video message at SPMembers.com. Another option for the video message is to watch a shorter clip of the message together during group time from the Starting Point DVD.

Use the Conversation Guide to reflect on central questions of faith and life.

Explore and share what they are learning with other people during their group time.

The fully downloadable revised Starting Point Ministry Kit is available to provide ministry leaders with everything they need to create a successful Starting Point environment including logo package, promotional videos and materials, and application and training materials.

Yes, North Point Ministries’ churches have long-term Community Groups that have used the Starting Point materials as a curriculum choice. Some groups have seekers, starters, or returners involved, so Starting Point is a good option in the beginning months of the group. However, every group could benefit from Starting Point.

North Point Community Church (NPCC) started in 1996 and began hosting Starting Point environments in 1998. Initially, we utilized a different curriculum, but in 2001 we wrote and published the first Starting Point materials. Since then, NPCC has grown and added other churches and strategic partners as part of North Point Ministries. In 2005, we began revising the materials and officially published a new version of Starting Point in May 2006. Starting Point distribution went national as we partnered with Zondervan to increase the reach of Starting Point. Hundreds of churches across the world are currently hosting Starting Point groups. In 2014, Starting Point underwent another major rewrite. The revised Starting Point is now available by Zondervan beginning January 2015.

The 10-week Starting Point materials are translated and available in Spanish, Macedonian, Russian/Moldovan, Portuguese, Slovakian, and Marathi. If you’re interested in using Starting Point in another language or international location, please contact info@startingpoint.com. The 10-week Spanish Starting Point can be purchased in our online store.

Yes! North Point Ministries works with select strategic partners around the world to implement Starting Point where it may be helpful. For more information about our strategic partnerships, go to www.goglobalx.org. If you’re interested in launching Starting Point in an international setting, contact info@startingpoint.com.

We don’t know exactly why. What we do know is that God has blessed Starting Point and has used it to change thousands of lives. We believe that there are several aspects of the environment that seem to set the foundation for success:

Simplicity of our church model–Starting Point is our only step for seekers, starters, and returners.

Invest and invite strategy–As a church we create environments to which our attendees will want to invite their friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Small group emphasis–We believe that small groups create a context for life change.

Visibility–Because of our target audience, visibility is a priority when it comes to marketing. Weekly bulletins, stage announcements, baptism videos, orientations, and building signage are a few examples.

Valued–The resources given to Starting Point demonstrate the value placed on it by leadership. Examples at each church include dedicated Starting Point staff, an entire hallway with rooms devoted exclusively to Starting Point on Sunday mornings, and a designated Orientation room.

Modeled–Many of our staff members, elders, and senior management team have led Starting Point groups.

An inside look at building a small groups culture...because life is better connected.